US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to Tehran during a Pentagon briefing on Middle East hostilities. Hegseth declared that the US controls the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that the US Central Command commander will present updated intelligence on the Middle East situation, while reiterating that Washington seeks a diplomatic solution and calling on Tehran to make “the right decisions.”
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Hegseth on naval blockade: “The mildest option”
He emphasized that US military capabilities are superior. “We’re watching your moves,” he added, stating that Washington is ready to act immediately if ordered by Donald Trump.
The American defense secretary characterized a naval blockade as “the mildest option” available to the US, arguing that Tehran lacks the capability to control the Strait of Hormuz as it doesn’t possess sufficient naval power. According to him, threats of attacks constitute “acts of piracy and terrorism.” He stated that the US Navy oversees traffic through the Strait of Hormuz using less than 10% of its total force.
Hegseth:
You like to say publicly, Iran, that you control the Strait of Hormuz, but you don’t have a Navy or real domain awareness. You can’t control anything. pic.twitter.com/kFK5UlvIst
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 16, 2026
Hegseth: Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons
Hegseth also attacked news media that he claimed criticize the Trump administration, accusing them of operating in ways that don’t serve national interests. He emphasized that the US will ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons, noting that an agreement through negotiations is preferred. “The choice can be made the easy way or through harder measures,” he declared, warning of potential strikes on Iran’s critical energy infrastructure.
Hegseth:
Threatening to shoot missiles and drones at ships—commercial ships that are lawfully transiting international waters—that is not control. That’s piracy. That’s terrorism. pic.twitter.com/OkRQiIEYzX
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 16, 2026
